Bára KuČerová

Marketing Manager, Manufaktura^®

With beer, anything seems possible!

This universal versatile beverage has so much goodness, that it has fuelled a revolution, been the cause for sibling disputes, seen the rise and fall of numerous industries. From soaps to ice cream, the properties of beer appeal to wider application than just to drink it.

We reached out to the leading brand of beer cosmetics-called Czech Beer Cosmetics. The beer beauty products come from Manufaktura, Prague-based firm recognized for its traditional wooden toys and tools, as well as lotions, soap and bath salts. Czech Beer Cosmetics has in a short span of time become one of the company’s top sellers.

Bára Kučerová in conversation with Sneha Nair, Brewer World, has some interesting insights to offer.

Let us begin with you telling us about the inspiration behind Czech Beer Cosmetics And its expansion plans?

In 1991, Prague was newly opened to foreigners from across the world. We thought of exploiting the history of this wonderful land to offer tourists the best of traditional Czech toy manufacturing. Hence an idea was born. The idea to enrich the range of craft products and toys with own cosmetic products was triggered by the magic of the Kadlec soap works in Libeň, where we had the central store at that time. It was a challenge for us, lovers of good old times, to brush up on the properties of fresh glycerine soap. We got down to searching for historical data, we engaged with universities and cosmetic specialists; and the project of manufacturing fresh glycerine soap was launched. The soap was successful and thanks to the increasing demand for other products, the soap was gradually enriched with other cosmetic products inspired by Czech history and Czech countryside.

HOW DID YOU DECIDE TO USE BEER IN YOUR PRODUCTS?

Beer cosmetics is based on centuries-old tradition of the Czech beer, which thanks to its exceptional quality is recognized as the best in the world.

The unique climatic conditions for growing hops, and centuries-old experience of our brewers and traditional production methods contributed significantly to the unrepeatable quality and taste of our Czech beer.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF USING BEER?

Beer is a unique source of vitamin B, trace elements and minerals, which significantly support skin regeneration and boost its resistance to adverse environmental effects. The hops calm and soften skin. Beer is a soothing cleanser which helps to dissolve dead skin cells and increase the elasticity of the skin. The anti-bacterial properties of beer makes your skin calm and less irritant from acne. Beer contains antioxidants that slow down the ageing process of the skin. It gets rid of inflammatory substances from the skin and helps it age gracefully.

HOW IS BEER INFUSED (ADDED) INTO YOUR CREAMS AND SHAMPOOS?

All our products contain pure Czech beer, brewer´s yeast or hops extract. Liquid products (for example beer shampoo) contain genuine Czech beer, which is tapped directly into the product from the barrel.

WHAT IS THE FASTEST SELLING BEER COSMETIC IN YOUR LINE OF PRODUCTS?

Our bestseller and must have product has been our beer shampoo for many years. Soft beer shampoo with pure Czech beer, panthenol, grain extracts, peat and lanolin makes hair stronger and naturally bright, reduces its fragility, gives it fresh look and light hardening effect. The hops support hair growth and calm scalp.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE RESPONSE TO THESE COSMETICS?

Beer Cosmetics became a very successful series after its launch in 2007. Cosmetics is popular with our domestic as well as foreign customers who buy it as an original souvenir.

ARE THERE ANY NEW PRODUCTS TO BE LAUNCHED THAT WE SHOULD KEEP A LOOK OUT FOR?

Last month we launched a special product for hair care-Beer Regenerative Hair Mask with Panthenol and Beta-Glucan, which hydrates and regenerates the hair while increasing its firmness and shine. Manufaktura products are currently available in the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic in our own network and franchise branded stores or on our official e-shop.